Florida's 500th anniversary

Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park near Fellsmere Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

Sebastian Inlet State Park in Sebastian Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

McLarty Treasure Museum in Sebastian Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

The city of Sebastian, Florida Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Vero Beach Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

The city of Fellsmere, Florida Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

Historic Macedonia Church in Gifford Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

Birthplace for equal suffrage for women in Florida, in Fellsmere Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

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Mount Elizabeth, which is the name of the property upon which sits The Mansion at Tuckahoe (pictured) in Jensen Beach Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

Trapper Nelson Interpretive Site in Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

Jonathan Dickinson shipwreck in Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

Trapper Nelson Zoo Historic District in Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

Loxahatchee River Historical Museum in Jupiter Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

Jupiter Inlet Historic and Archaeological Site in Dubois Park in Jupiter Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

Martime and Classic Boat Museum in Jensen Beach Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

Historical Society of Martin County at the Elliott Museum in Stuart. The new Elliott Museum is expected to open in March. Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

Treasure Coast Newspapers

House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar in Stuart Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

Treasure Coast Newspapers

The Georges Valentine shipwreck â lumber of which is seen in this photo dated 1905 and courtesy of Agnes Tietig Parlin â off the coast of Stuart and near the House of Refuge Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park in Stuart Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse in Jupiter Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

Seabranch Preserve State Park in Stuart Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

Camp Murphy at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

Avalon State Park on North Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

St. Lucie County Historical Museum in Fort Pierce Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

A.E. Bean Backus Gallery and Museum in Fort Pierce Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

The city of Fort Pierce, Florida Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

FILE PHOTO Formerly Digital Domain Park, the spring training home of the New York Mets in St. Lucie West

AP2012

Savannas Preserve State Park in St. Lucie and Martin counties Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

Battle of Okeechobee historic marker in Okeechobee Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

The Battle of Okeechobee in Okeechobee Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

Urca de Lima Underwater Archaeological Preserve off Fort Pierce Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum on North Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

'Zora Neale Hurston Memorial Monument,' by Jim Liccione, in Fort Pierce Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

Zora Neale Hurston's grave, in Fort Pierce Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

Zora Neale Hurston's home in Fort Pierce Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

Zora Neale Hurston's home in Fort Pierce Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.

Zora Neale Hurston Branch Library in Fort Pierce Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/#/27.916767,-80.546265 or http://www.fla500.com/.

Zora Neale Hurston Dust Tracks Heritage Trail in Fort Pierce Florida celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2013, remembering the 1513 landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon on the coast. The website Next Exit History (http://nextexithistory.com), along with the Viva Florida 500 website (http://www.fla500.com) are using this milestone to highlight some of the rich history in the state. Among the many destinations mentioned are some on the Treasure Coast. Snapshots of those destinations appear in this photo gallery. For more information, visit http://nextexithistory.com/ or http://www.fla500.com/.